Delayed cut-out for pull sockets



I May 11 1926. 1,583,938

R. D. SMITH DELAYED CUT-OUT FOR FULL SOCKETS Filed Nov. :5, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 11,1926.

R. D. SMITH DELAYED CUT-OUT FOR PULL SOCKETS Filed Nov. 5, 1920 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 MINT jar/WW5) ZMM Patented May 11, 1926.

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

RAYMOND D. SMITH, OF SOARSDALE, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGN- MENTS, TO TBEMONT PRODUCTS CORPORATION, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A

CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

DELAYED CUT-OUT FOR PULL SOCKETS.

Application filed November 3, 1920. Serial to. 421,556.

This invention relates to electric switches that may be set for automatic circuit-breaking action and concerns particularly, though not exclusively, an improved form of pullactuated, socket-switch for electric lamps incorporating means automatically to delay the cut-off of current to the lamp for a predetermined interval of time after the switch has been actuated as usual to extin 'uish the lamp.

11 providing an improved form of pullsocket switch, so operating, I-have devised (as a means for effecting automatic actuation of a switch) asimple and improved mechanical arrangement involving the main circuit-controlling contacts, whose novel 00-,

operative action as hereinafter described is in principle, broadly applicable to electric cut-out apparatus in general, and maybe embodied to equal advantage in appropriate types of circuit breakers designed to protect their governed circuits against overloads or other excessive current conditions. In ap plying my invention to apparatus of the latter class I may, or may not, make use of instrumentalities operative to delay the automatic circuit-breaking action for a limited interval of time after creation of the condition designed to cause such action. Such instrumentalities, however, are employed in all embodimentsbf the invention which I have herein chosen to illustrate, because essential to the purposes merely of such particular embodiments.

A specific object of the invention is to rovide, in the conventional type of doublereak, ratchet-tooth-contact, switch, em-

bodying a current-switching mechanism of recognized and proven merit, a simple automatically-acting device, governed preferably throu h, the switch-controlled current, for delaying. the usual circuit-breaking action of the switch ;-and further so to incorporate such device that the mechanical and electrical efliciency of such switching mechanism is not impaired. A particular need forsuch delay is readily apparent under the practical operating conditions of pull-socket switches for incandescent electric lamps, wherein the novel function proposed enables the operator, when through with the light, to prepare the socket-switch automatlcally to extinguish the lamp, after a predetermined interval of time, and thus avoid the usual inconvenience of being plunged mto the immediate darkness that follows lamp-extinguishing actuation of the ordinary socket pull-switch. I

, Accordingly my present invention has for a more definite object to provide in a pullsocket switch preferably of the familiar type, having a single pull chain or pendant for operating the switch, a device adapted automatically to effect a delay in the circuitbreaking action of the switch, but arranged otherwise to leave the usual switch operation undisturbed ;+-and' specifically to incorporate such device in an arrangement whereby the highly efficient circuit-c'ont-rolling action of the switchcontacts shall remain substantially unchanged,'thus retaini'ng all the advantages of a simple mechanical movement, and of designed, speed, and degree of contact break. In fact the arrangement I have provided is such that the speed'of contact break is greater than in the ordinary pull-socket switch, and thus the current capacity of the switch is increased. v

Specific details of the invention reside in the provision of a simple, electro-thermostatically operated detent normally arranged to arrest the movable switch contact member, before the completion of the latters circuit-breaking incrementof rotative move-- ment, and in a simple co-operating modification of tl1e,usual shape of certain inclined.

stationary contacts traversed by said member,- whereby the usual, single, coiled, switchoperating. spring may be given the additional function of remaining operatively tens'roned when the said contact member is thus arrested, later to discharge the same from the stationary contacts when the said memher .is electro-thermostatically released by the detent. I

A further object of the invention is to provide means whereby adesigned heavier manual stroke thanis ordinarily given to a socket pull-chain shall be effective, without impairment of the switch, to release the contact member'from the intercepting detent, and thereby manually to cause lamp extinguishment without awaiting the automatic, electro-thermostatic action ;thus providing a. convenient form of selective control. It will be clear from consideration of the construction and operation hereinafter described in detail, that when my improved switch is thus manually operated to break the circuit independently of the automatic delaying agency, the modified contact arrangement above referred to co-operates with the usual switch-operating spring to impart a greater initial velocity to the movable contact member before the latter separates from wiping engagement with the stationary contacts than such member possesses inits manually-imparted movement in the ordinary pul switch mechanism, thereby causing a more speedy circuit breaking action of said member.

The invention accomplishes the above stated objects through the addition of few and very simple elements to one of the most common and eflicient types of pull socketswitch known in the art, and retains all the advantageous qualities of such switch as stated;--the proposed arrangement further requiring substantially no change 'in the size or proportion of the pull-socket as a whole, or in the structural details thereof, so that unfamiliar structural features requiring new and untried methods of assemblage or installation for service are not introduced.

For the accomplishment of the above objects, and other purposes that will become apparent from the following description, my invention resides in such elements and co-operative relation thereof as are defined in the appended claims and which, for illustrative purposes only, I have shown as embodied in a pull socket-switch structure of the approved form illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a view of my improved pullsocket switch looking downwardly upon the current-switching contact parts, the pulloperated actuator being indicated in broken lines, and the rotatable contact-wiper shown in normal circuit making position.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the complete pull-socket switch showing the structure above and below the switch mechanism partly in section on a central axial plane the detent-controlling thermostat and certain other parts being partially broken away for clearness.

Fig. 3 shows the parts of Fig. 1 in a different circuit closing position and arranged for automatic circuit-breaking action.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the switch mechanism in elevation looking in the direction of arrow 1 in Fig., 3 but omitting the thermostat and clearly showing the formation and relation of the switch contacts and wiper-restraining detent ar- Fig. 8 is a similar view showing the relative position of these parts after automatic circuit-breaking action of the contact wiper.

Fig. 9 is a view'similar to Fig.1, but showing in full lines the wiper actuator and showing certain modification in the thermostatic detent arrangement whereby circuitbreakin g action may be manually effected without awaiting'the thermostatic retraction of the detent.

Fig. 10 is a view in front elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 11 shows a fragmentary plan viewof certain contact tables and a modified arrangement of contact plates thereon whereby thedetent parts may be relieved of duty as auxiliary contacts.

Fig. 12 is an elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 11.

Throughout the several views, identical parts are designated by the same reference numeral.

The switch mechanism is of the well known type embodying between an insulatin base 10 and cap 11, a central, vertical insu ated pivot stud 12, supported at its lower end by an insulating cup seat 13 axially pressing'the square head 14 on the opposite end of the stud, upwardly into a square recess 15 in the cap 11 through the axially acting tension in the compressed seating spring 16 underlying the said cup seat, which construction readily permits and maintains rotative adjustment of the stud 12, for regulating the tension in the coiled switch-operating spring 30, hereinafter to be described.

Formed on the base 10 and circularly arranged to surround the cup seat, are four inclined steps, 17, 18, 19 and 20, terminating successively in vertical abrupt shoulders 21.

Pivoted and free to rotate on the stud 12, is aconductive, contact-bridging wiper 22, which in the form of my invention shown, has diametrically disposed contact making arms 28, 23, formed to slope prferebly in alignment with the inclined surfaces of the' said steps and to ride over and seat on said surfaces as the wiper is progressively rotated,the step shoulders 21 engaging consecutively with the ends of the wiper arm to prevent retrogressive rotation of the wiper between steps.

An actuator plate 25, is pivoted to oscil-- late on the stud 12, above the wiper 22, and

four equallyspaced and co-operating ratchet teeth 26' (Fig. 7), struck down from the lower surface of the actuator plate, are

upper surface of the actuator and thus exerts torsional tension for returning the actuator to the beginning of its stroke in the position' shown in Fig. 1, and axial tension pressing the actuator against the wiper and thereby the wiper against the said incline steps, whereby successive strokes of the actuator, caused by pulling upon the chain 32, and limited by stop engagement of the actuator with brackets 35 and 36, advances the wiper over said steps in increments of progressive rotation.

Such switch mechanism as heretofore described is old in the art, and, in an ordinary pull-socket switch, two of the incline steps 17, 19 support on their inclined surfaces and in conformity therewith, stationary, circuitcontact plates, terminating at the top of the step shoulders, to be left at this point simultaneously with a quick break by the ends of wiper arms 23, when the latter are snapped over said shoulders at the completion of the wipers increments of rotative movement.

My invention, however, contemplates the forming of these contact plates in a different manner thereby to produce a new automatic function, and in a way which shall cause a greater speed and degree of contact break between the said plate and the end of the wiper arm, thus introducing no structural or operative change which can impair the efiiciency or durability of the current-switching contact parts. Specifically, in the embodiment of my invention herein disclosed, the stationary and diametrically oppo'site contact plates 37 and 39 are each bent at their terminal portions, and

multaneously from the near the top of the step shoulders 21, to form an angle with an upwardly disposed apex, and a terminal 40 sloping downwardly from said apex.

The wiper arins when advanced over the apexes of the angular contact plates 37- 39 will, by virtue of the axial tension in spring 30, when unrestrained, tend to slide offsidownwardly slopmg plate terminal portions, thereby to break the circuit through said wiper and the said contacts. It will be seen from the foregoing (referring particularly to Figures 7 8, 9 and 10) that when the wiper 23 18 advanced, in its circuit breaking movement, over the apex of the conductive plate 37 so that the end of the wiper arm is in contact g with the sloping terminal portion 40 ofsaid plate, the axial tension on the wiper cooperates to accelerate the velocity of, the

wiper in leaving the plate contact if the former is unrestrained ;the sloping terminal portion of the plate also tending to throw the wiper forwardly ;and both of these tendencies eo-operating to give the wiper a quick snap break and momentarily greater circuit breaking separation from the plate contact than would otherwise be the case.

This is improved construction insuch a I switch that may. obviously be availed of without regard to automatic mechanism operating to delay the circuit breaking action. Specifically it accomplishes, without the addition of a single element to theconventional design of pull-socket switcheaa quicker circuit-breaking action, thus increasing the electrical capacity of the s'witch;-- a highly advantageous result, which heretofore has been accomplished only by intro- The function of the detent lever 41 1s to arrest the rotative advance of the wiper b'efore the arms of the latter shall have been thus automatically discharged from the contact plate terminals. This detent lever is pivoted to the stud 42, the latter being rigidly mounted on the insulating base, and carrying a pin 43 engaging in a recess 44 in the hub of the detent lever for limiting the swing of the latter. The inwardly hooked end 45 of the detent lever is adapted to engage with radial spurs 46, 46 on the outer edge of the contact wiper to arrest the rota-- tive movement of the latter in its described position for automatic discharge as shown in Figs. 3 and 4. A pin 47 insulated at 38 is secured to the detent lever 41 and projects therefrom substantially radially to the stud 42 to engage with an opening in the free end 48 of a curved, bimetallic thermostat, 49, which thermostat at its opposite end is mounted on the insulated bracket 33 that carries the bell-mouth guide 31 for the actuator operating pull chain 32. The inner lamina of the thermostat is of greater expansible metal than the outer, and the thermostat is formed when cool to position the detent lever 41 in the path of spurs 46,. 46.

A winding of resistance wire 50, is carried on, and insulated from, the thermostat and at one end is electrically connected to the pivot stud 42, the other end, through the thin sheet metal connector 56, being connected to one terminal of an auxiliary winding of fine resistance wire 51 carried as a sleeve between the outer casing 52 and the threaded lamp receptacle 53, and suitably separated'from both by insulating layers 54, 55. The other end of this sleeve winding is rounded to the said lamp receptacle at 58, whereby the thermostat winding when electrically energized is always placed in series with the sleeve winding as is evident from the diagram in Fig. 6.

The function of the thermostat winding is to heat the thermostat when'the former is electrically energized, and since, in the proposed form of electrical connections, the said winding is adapted to be connected directly across the supply circuit and is shunt to the lamp, it develops in practice that to produce the small amount of heat desired for operating the thermostat, more resistance is required than can conveniently be provided by the thermostat winding alone; and for this reason the sleeve winding 51 has been introduced in the relation described, to act as a current reducing rheostat in series with the thermostat winding.

A curved, stationary guard strip 91 is mounted on the bracket 33 and positioned to retain the pull chain 82 within its annular guide channel formed on the periphery of the actuator 25. The usual casing 52, and its insulating lining 92, is held in place by screws 93, to accommodate which suitable L-brackets such as shown at 94, are mounted on the cap 11, by an insulated screw 95.

The other parts of the socket structure are of well known construction and function and therefore their structure will not be described in detail as they are self-explanatory in the drawings.

My improved socket-switch operates as follows. In the position of parts shown in Fig. 1, the current passes from the upper center supply terminal 60 through the screw 61, relay plate 62, screw 63, and bracket 35 to the contact plate 37, thence through the wiper 22 to contact plate 39, thence to the central, base-carried screw 65, terminal tongue 66, filament (not shown) of the incandescent lamp 59, threaded lamp receptacle- 53, screw 67, bracket 36, screw 69, and threaded plug supply terminal 70.

A full stroke upon the pull chain will now advance the actuator 25 and wiper 22 substantially at which point the actuator is stopped by bracket 36 and the wiper arms 23 are positioned as shown by dotted lines at 23 in Fig. 4. The wiper is now forced downwardly by the axial tension in spring 30 to the full line position in Fig. 4, in which position further rotation of the wiper is arrested by detent lever 41 in an obvious manner, the circuit paths remaining as before except that current now passes from the wiper spur 46 to the detent lever 41, stud 42, thermostat winding 50, connection 56, sleeve winding 51 and thence to the threaded lamp receptacle at the grounded point 58 ;the thermostat winding 50 and sleeve-winding 51 being thus connected in series acrossthe supply leads in shunt relation to the lamp, whereby the thermostat-winding is energized and delivers heat to the thermostat.

As the temperature of the thermostat rises, an 'outbending or'straightening flexure is caused therein which acts to retract the detent lever 41 from the path of the spur 46, as indicated by broken line in Fig. 3, thus releasing the wiper 22, after a short time in terval, and permitting the automatic discharge of the. wiper arms 23, 23 from the contact plates 37,39, and over the step shoulders 21 and ontonthe succeeding blank-steps 18 and 20 through the axially exerted force of the compressed spring 30, a double-circuitbreaking action being thus automatic-ally effected substantially the same as in the usual operation of this type of pull switch.

Another stroke upon the chain will again advance the actuator and wiper approximately 90 and into a position similar tothat shown in Fig. 1, thus lighting the lamp in the usual way and independently of the thermostatic detent. In this connection it should be noted that the diametrically opposite shoulders 21 of the blank steps 18 and 20 should be so spaced in the circle that the ends of Wiper arms 23, will have passed said shoulders when the actuator 25 is stopped by bracket 36. Since the degree'of travel of the Wiper as driven by a full stroke of the actuator is substantially the same in both 1 circuit-making and circuit-breaking action, 90 and since it is required that at the end of such actuator stroke the arms 23 shall clear steps 18 and 20 for circuit-making action, as stated above, but shall not clear the plateterminals 40 in circuit-breaking action, it follows that terminals 40 must each be spaced substantially a greater number of degrees from the preceding blank step shoulders respectively than from the succeeding shoulders, or specifically (referring to only one side of the switch) that there must be more degrees of separation between terminal 40 of plate 39, and shoulder 21 of step 18, than between said terminal and the-shoulder 21 of step 20. The only positional requirement of the shoulders of steps 17 and 19 however is that they shall not extend in ad- Vance of the plate terminals 40. In the present disclosure, merely as an incident of illustration, the said shoulders are shown in alignment with said terminals. The steps 17 and 19 may obviously possess any formation advantageous to the support of their respective contact plates.

Other important features of the operation to be noted are that the quick circuit-breaking action of the wiper, also causes a correspondingly quick break of the shuntcircuit through the thermostat and sleeve winding, by means of the dropping of spur 46 out of the plane of the engaging end 45 of the detent lever as clearly shown in Figs. 7 and 8. The arrangement is also preferably such that the actuator 25 is stopped in the position 23 as indicated in broken lines in Fig. 4 by the ated to check the manual stroke on bracket 36, just after the ends of the wiper arms 23 have passed over the apexes of the angular contact plates 37 and 39 and before contact occurs between the spur 46 and the detent lever 41, such contact being effected then automatically by the axial tension in spring 30, and the detent lever and spur thus being relieved of the shock to which they would" be subjected if they themselves, operthe pullchain 32.

A different arrangement of restraining detent lever and spurs is shown in Fig. 9 wherein the engaging surfaces of each of said spurs, and of the lever end 45, are shown as co-operatively bevelled at an angle to cause the lever automatically to back away for permitting the passage of the spurs when the former is subjected to the thrust of the latter. Preferably, in this modified arrangement the conformation and relative positions are such that a part of the axial pressure of spring that is transformed by the sloping terminus of the contact plates into. a thrust tending rotatively to advance the'wiper, is

not, in itself, sufficiently strong to cause the said releasing action of the detent lever, but such that said thrust when augmented by a manual'stroke upon the pull-chain may cause such release. This action, obviously, requires that the bracket 36 be so positioned as not positively to stop the actuator stroke before the spurs 46 engage with the detent lever. However, to avoid the requirement of delicacy of operation when it is desired to cause delayed extinguishment of the light, it is necessary that appreciable resistance shall be offered to the completion of this manual releasing stroke for pulling the spur 46 past the lever end and as it involves excessive Wear on comparatively delicate parts to impose this resistive duty upon the.

spur and detent lever alone, itis an advantageous feature of design to supply a separate and yielding element to resist the completion of the actuator stroke, such for instance'as is embodied in the spring stop, shown at 90 in Figs. 9 and 10. Preferably, this stop shall offer sufficient resistance to the completion of the actuator stroke, in conjunction with the resistance offered by the detent lever, to require a somewhat stronger pull on the chain than is ordinarily given for operating a socket pull-chain to extinguish the lamp. 7 I

A further modification is shown in Figs. 11 and 12, wherein appears the step 19 carrying the plate'39having the slopingterminal 40 as heretofore. But in this modification a part of said'plate is cut away and in its place is positioned a separate and insulated auxiliary contact 96 secured to the base 10 by a screw 97. This auxiliary contact is ofmuch lighter s r' metal than the plate 3,91',j.and .is forme gto ieadjacent to, but .on

a lower plane, than the same so that in normal circuit-making position of the ,Wiper 22, its arm 23 shall not be in contact therewith. This auxiliary contact is connected with one end of the thermostat in place of the pivot stud 42, and by virtue of the raised formation of its free end is adapted to be contacted by the end of wiper arm 23, when the latter is rotatively positioned as shown in full lines in Fig. 4, sot-hat the' circuit through the winding 50 may thus be controlled and the detent lever 41 relieved of the duty to serveas an auxiliary electric contact. The greater resiliencyof contact 96 enables it to yield sufficiently to insure simultaneous contact of both said contact and the plate 39 with the wiper arm 23. until the moment of automatic discharge of the latter.

Although the socket-switch structure which I have illustrated and described herein is that known as the adapter type, or that type designed to be held in an ordinary lamp socket in place of the lamp and supplied with current thereby, itwill be obvious to those skilled in the art, that the present novel improvement in switch mechanism, which I have devised, may as readily be incorporated within any of the numerous other forms of socket-switch structures, such as the-fixture or metallic-cap type, commonly used with pendants, chandeliers and other fixtures in case of permanent installation.

Although, I have chosen herein to describe how a thermostat maybe utilized for'eifecting the delayed automatic-switch action, it will be appreciated that any suitable, slowacting means may be used to serve this purpose and be within the spirit of-my inven tion.

It will further be apparent that the principles of my invention may readily be embodied in many modified forms and arrangements of details other than those herein specifically disclosed, and that therefore the scope of the-invention covers any arrangement of equivalent elements in the described type of switch that can operate in the novel manner set forth herein, or which can produce the characteristic function of my improved switch.

- The feature illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12, wherein two contacts 39 and 96 are mounted upon a common insulating step 19 for enabling the rotor arms 23 to control the auxiliary circuit, is not claimed herein, but is the subject matter of claims in my co-pending application, Serial No. 421,555, filed November 3, 1920.

A form of electric switch mechanismsubstantially' as herein described obviously is not restrictedto use with pull socketsv and what I therefore claim as my invention is:

1. In controlling apparatus designed to be operated by successive. manual actuations, means automatically to. delaylfor .a".limited intermediate position before its arrival at the next succeeding ratchet seat; and mechanism for automatically moving said member, having a slow-acting control device connected to be set in operation through the movement of said member to its said intermediate position, whereby said member is automatically advanced to its said succeeding ratchet seat a substantial interval of time after being impelled to its said intermediate position.

2. In an electric switch, having a one- Way rotatable current-switching member, an oscillatory actuator therefor arranged by successive strokes in the same direction to advance said member progressively step-bystep to make and break a circuit, and means to cause a stroke of said actuator for establishing said member in a normal circuit making-position, in combination; detent means operative upon subsequent advance of said member, to arrest the latter in an intermediate position prior to reaching its circuit-breaking position; and mechanism for automatically moving said member, hav-' ing a slow-acting control device connected to be rendered operative by the stroke of said actuator that advances said member to its said intermediate position, thereby automatically to efl'ect the further advance of said member to its said circuit breaking-position after a substantial interval of time.

i 3. In an electric switch havin a one-way movable current-switching mem er and an oscillatory actuator arranged by successive strokes thereof intermittently and positively to impel said member alternately toward consecutive normal circuit-making and circuit breaking positions thereof, in combina tion; means to cause a stroke of said actuator for establishing said member in a normal circuit-making position thereof; and means adapted'upon subsequent movement of said actuator-impelled member to arrest the latter in an intermediate position prior to reaching its normal circuit-breaking position; together with electro-thermally governed I instrumentalities arranged automatically to complete the movement of said member to its normal circuit-breaking position a substantial interval of time after said member has been positively impelled away from its said circuit-making position by said actuator.

4. In a pull socket having pawl-andratchet switch-operating mechanism including a contact-governing member mounted for step-by-step rotative advance to control a circuit, and a pull-operated spring-returned oscillator arranged by one stroke thereof to advance said member to a normal circuit-making position and by a subsequent stroke in the same direction to advance said member further and toward acircuit-breaking position thereof, in combination, means normally operative to arrest said member in an intermediate position before it reaches said circuit-breaking position; and mechanism for automatically moving 'said member, havinga slow-acting control device connected to be set in operation by the said subsequent stroke of said member to its said circuit-breaking position after a substantial interval of time.

circuit-breaking position; and mechanism for automatically moving said member, having a slow-acting control device connected to be set in operation through the movement of said member to its said intermediate position, thereby automatically to e'fiect the advance of said member to its said circuitbreaking position after a substantial interval of time.

6. In apull socket having paWl-and-.

ratchet switch-operating mechanism, including a contact-governing member mounted for step-by-step rotative advance to control a circuit, and a pull-operated spring-returned oscillator arranged by one stroke thereof to advance said member to :1 normal circuit-making position and by a subsequent stroke in the same direction to advance said member further and towarda circuit-breaking position thereof, in combination; means normally operative to arrest said member in an intermediate position before it reaches its circuit-breaking position; and mechanism for automatically moving said member, having a slow-acting control device connected to be set in operation through the movement of said member -to its said intermediate position, thereby automatically to effect the advance of said member to its said circuit-breaking position after a substantial interval of time; said means and said mechanism being cooperatively arranged to free said member for further actuation by said oscillator when said member reaches its said circuit-breaking position.

7. In a pull socket switch structure, the combination of; a structure-supported switch-connected plugreceptacle; a rotatable double-ended and centrally pivoted current-switching member arranged to make and to break electrical contact simultaneously at both ends and further adapted to be positively impelled step-by-step in the same direction by a spring-returned oscillatory actuator; co-operating stationary contacts arranged in the path of said member, and having circuit connections through the switch whereby intermittent rotative movements of said member in the same direction operate'respectively to make and to break the receptacle circuit; and electro-thermallygoverned instrumentalities arranged to arrest said member in an advanced, temporary circuit-making position for a limited, substantial interval of time after said member has been impelled away from its normal circuit making position by said actuator, thereby automatically to interpose a delay in the circuit-breaking action of the pull socket switch.

8. In a pull socket switch structure the combination of; a structure-supported switch-connected plug receptacle; a rotatable double-ended and centrally-pivoted current-switching member arranged to make and to break electrical contact simultane ously at both ends and further adapted to be positively impelled step-by-step in the same direction by a spring-returned oscillatory actuator; co-operat-ing stationary contactscir- I cularly arranged and having circuit connections through the switch whereby intermittent rotative movements of said member in the same direction respectively make and break the circuit; and electro-thermally governed instrumentalities arranged automatically to delay the completion of the circuitbreaking movement of said member for a limited substantial interval of time after saidmember has been impelled away from its normal circuit-making position by said actuator, and then to cause said movement; said instrumentalities including means to move said member automatically to its cir cuit-breaking position, and a restraining device governed through the actuator-caused .moyement of said member and normally adapted to prevent said circuit-breaking member movement. v

9. In a pull socket including a lamp receptacle, a rotatable current-switching member, and an oscillatorypull-actuated element for rotating said member step-by-stepin one direction, the combination of; stationary contacts arranged to be electrically connected by said member in certain rotative positions thereof,the said lamp receptacle being dis connected from the supply clrcuit in one position of said member and connected to said circuit for continuous current supply therefrom in another position of said member; and electro-thermally-governed switch-operating instrumentalities operatively related to said member and electrically connected to be energized through said member, but only in a third and different position thereof, whereby movement of said member to its position for disconnecting said receptacle is automatically controlled.

10. In a pull socket including a lamp receptacle, a rotatable current-switching memher, and an oscillatory pull-actuated element for rotating said member step-by-ste-p in one direction, the combination of; stationary contacts arranged to be electrically connected by said member in certain rotative positions thereof,the said lamp receptacle being disconnected from the supply circuit in one position of said member and connected to said circuit for continuous current supply therefrom in another position of said member; and electro-thermally-governed switch-operating instrumentalities operatively related to said member and electrically connected to be energized through said member, but only in a third and different position thereof, whereby movement of said member to its position for disconnecting said receptacle is automatically controlled; together with' means whereby at will said member may be moved directly by said actuator to its said position for disconnecting said receptacle and independently of control by said instrumentalities.

11. In a pull socket switch having pawland-ratchetswitch-operating mechanism including a current-switching member mounted for step-by-step rotative advance to control a circuit, and a pull-tnerated springreturned oscillator arranged by one stroke thereof to advance said member to a circuitmaking position and by a subsequent stroke in the same direction to advance said member further and toward a circuit-brcaking position thereof, in combination; resilient means arranged to lie-energized through said further advance of said member and tending when so energized autou'iatically to complete the movement of said member to its circuit-breaking posit ion a detent normally positioned to prevent said member movement; and a slowly acting trip device operatively related to said detent and connected to behrendered operative by said subsequent oscillator stroke, thereby automatically to free said member" from said detent after a substantial interval of time.

12. In a pull socket switch having pawland-ratchet switch-operating mechanism ineluding a current-swltching member mounted for step-by-step rotative advance to control a circuit, and a pull-operated springreturned oscillator arranged by one stroke thereof to advance said member to a circuitmaking position and by a subsequent stroke in the same direction to advance said member further and toward a circuit-breaking position thereof, in combination; resilient means arranged to be energized through said fur ther advance of said member and tending when so energized automatically to complete the movements of said member to its circuitbreaking position; a detent normally positioned to prevent said member movement; and a thermostatic, trip device operatively related to said detent and connected to be electro-thermally energized by said subsequent oscillator stroke, thereby automatically to free said member from said detent after a substantial interval of time.

13. In a pull socket switch having pawland-ratchet switch-operating meachnism including a current-switching member mounted for step-by-step rotativeadvance to control a circuit, and a pull-operated spring returned oscillator arranged by one stroke thereof to advance said member to a circuitmaking position and by a subsequent stroke in the same direction to advance said member further and toward a circuit-breaking position thereof, in combination; resilient means arranged to be energized through said further advance of said member and tending when so energized automatically to complete the movement of said member to its circuitbreaking position; a detent normally positioned to prevent said member'movement; and a thermostatic trip device adapted to free said member from restraint by said detent a substantial interval of time afterbeing energized; together with an electric heating unit goverened by an auxiliary circuit contact for energizing said device; the said contact being arranged co-operatively with said member to cause energization of said trip de viceupon said further advance of said member toward its circuit-breaking position.

14. In a socket switch structure as described in claim 12 wherein the rotatable current-switching member therein recited is adapted to be held and then released for automatic circuit-breaking movement by an electrically trippable detent, the combination with said member and detent, of; an auxiliary electric circuit for operating the detent tripping means; and auxiliary contact means governing said auxiliary circuit; the said contact means comprising metallic engaging portions respectively of said member and said detent.

15. Iii a pull socket-switch embodying a current-distributing member adapted manuposition; means whereby said member is ten- I sioned automatcally to complete its said increment of travel when unrestrained in said position; and an electrically operated thermo-dynamic device arranged automatically to be operatively energized by the movement of said member to said position for causing the release of said member from the said detent means, thereby to cause automatic circuit-breaking action of the switch.

16. In a pull-socket-switch structure, hav ing a pull-operated and spring-retin'ne-d oscillatory switch-actuator; a double-ended current-switching contact-wiper pivoted to be rotated. progressively by successive strokes of said actuator and pivoted concentrically therewith; rsilient means tensioning said wiper axially of its pivot for engagement with circularly arranged stationary steps, the said steps being formed of insulating material and positioned in said structure to project toward said wiper and into the normal plane of movement of the ends thereof, and being further formed as, inclines successively terminating at abrupt shoulders to engage as ratchet-teeth with said' ends, whereby retrogressive rotation of said wiper between steps is prevented; tlie'combination of circuit contacts supported on a pair of diametrically opposite steps, each contact comprising a plate conforming substantially to the incline of its supporting step and having a terminus near the shoulder of said step bent to slope in a direction opposite to said incline, whereby the wiper when pressed into engagement with said terminus by said resilient means tends automatically to be discharged from said terminus; a detent movable into and out of a normal position for stopping said wiper by engagement therewith when the latter is positioned to be discharged from said terminus, whereby said wiper is respectively arrested and released ;and normally (lo-energized thermostatic means, adapted when thermally energized to retract said detent from engagement with said wiper thereby to release the latter-;-together with a heating unit electrically connected thermally to energize the thermostat, when said wiper is arrested by said detent.

17. In an electric switch adapted for automatic circuit-breaking movement, in com bination; a current-switching member pivoted t o rotate andaxially tensioned for wiping engagement with circularly arranged staitionary ratchet steps, one of sa d steps comprising a circuit-terminal contact plate inclined as a'helix relative to the pivotal axis of said member: and a terminal portion of said contact plate formed to receive the thrust of the axial tension of said member when engaged by the latter and to transform part of said thrust into rotary acting thrust, tendi ngto discharge said member from said terminal portion; together with means to arrest and automatically to release said memher while thelatter is subject to the action of said discharging thrust,

18. An automatic circuit-breaking arrangement for an electric switch embodying relatively slidable, circuit-controlling contacts arranged to bepressed slida'bly into conductive engagement by resilient means acting in an-oblique direction relative to the path of sliding movement of one of said contacts, whereby the tension pressing said contacts into conductive engagement is also I operative when unrestrained to cause their sliding separation; together with a detent normally operative to prevent said sliding movement; and normally inactive means arranged to be electrically energized partially through the said contacts to retract said detent and permit said movement.

19. In an electric switch, circuit-breaking apparatus embodying in combination; a

rotative current distributing member resilbreaking movement when operatively energized.

20. Automatic circuit-breaking apparatus embodying, in combination; a stationary inclined contact, terminating at an abrupt insulating step shoulder; a conductive current-transmitting wiper constrained to move in planes substantially parallel to the base of the contact incline; resilient means tending to press said wiper into wiplng engagement with said contact, whereby advancement of the former during such engagementcauses the wiper to mount said incline against the resistance of said resilient means; a terminus on said inclined contact formed to slope in a direction opposite to that of the contact incline, whereby said wiper tends to be' rotatively discharged from said terminus when ina position to be pressedthereagainst by said resilient means; stop meansv to arrest the wiper in its said position; and electrically operated means adapted to be energized only in said position of said wiper and thereby to retract s'aid stop means and release said wiper for automatic circuit-breaking action.

21. In an electric switch, in combination;

stationary contacts for governing a circuit through a circuit-contained load; a pivoted current-conducting member arranged for step-by-step rotation in one direction and tensioned to engage conductively with said 89 K contacts in certain rotative positions,the said contacts being so arranged that in one rotative position of said member the circuit through the load -'is broken and in another position of said member the circuit through the load is completed thereby; an actuator for. rotating said member; and instrumentalities operatively related to said member and electrically connected to be energized only in a third and difi'erent position of 9 said member, whereby movement of said member'to its circuit-breaking position is automatically controlled.

In an electric switch, in combination; stationary contacts for governing a circuit through a circuit-contained load; apivoted current-conducting member arranged for step-by-step rotation in one direction and tensioned to engage conductively with said contacts in certain rotative positions,the

said contacts being so arranged thatin one rotative position of said member the circuit through the load is broken and in another position of said member the circuit through the load is completed thereby; an actuator for rotating said member; and in- 1 strumentalities operatively related to said' member and electrically connected to be energized only in a third and different posi tion of said member, whereby movement of said member to its circuit-breaking position is automatically controlled ;together with means whereby at will said member may be moved directly to its circuit-breaking position by said actuator independently of control by said instrumentalities.

23. In an electric switch, having a oneway, rotatable contact wiper axially slidable upon its pivot relative to a series of circularly arranged contact steps positioned at the base of said pivot and extending into the normal plane of rotation of said wiper, each of said steps presenting a surface inclined helically relative to the pivotal axis of said wiper and terminating in an abrupt shoulder arranged to prevent retrogressive rotative movement of said wiper between steps, an actuator mounted for rotative oscillation on the said pivot and axially slidable thereon with said wiper; pawlbase thereof to a summit near the shoulder of the incline step, and further provided rotatively beyond said summit with a terminus sloping downwardly or toward the base of the succeeding step, whereby said wiper when pressed into engagement with said terminus tends to be rotatively discharged therefrom; and a detent device normally arranged to arrest said wiper in engagement with said terminus, and further adapted then to be energized by the switch-governed electric current to release said wiper.

24. In an electric switch as described in claim 23 in combination with the thereinrecited positive stop means arranged to limit the wiper-advancing stroke of the actuator, a resilient stop positioned in the path of said actuator near the positive limit of said stroke and arranged yieldingly to oppose the completion of said stroke, and thereby the advance of said wiper over the step shoulder, the detent being further co-operatively formed and mounted for movement relative to the wiper to release the wiper from the detent when the said stroke is completed against the resistance of said resilient stop.

25. In an electric switch as described in claim 23 in combination with the thereinrecited positive stop means arranged to limit the wiper-advancing stroke of the actuator, a yielding stop positioned in the path of said wiper near the limit of its increment of advance movement caused by the actuator stroke and arranged yieldingly to oppose the completion of said movement and of the said actuator stroke ;-the detent being cooperatively formed and pivotally mounted relative to said wiper to cause the release of the latter from the former when the said stroke is completed against the resistance of said resilient stop.

26. In a pull socket switch embodying a rotative, load-contro1ling current-transmitting member arranged to be driven intermittently in the same direction through limited increments of circuit-controlling travel in wiping engagement with spaced inclined contact plates, and having means tensioning said-member against said plates whereby quick automatic discharge of said member from consecutive terminals of the contact plates is caused upon rotation ofthe former past the latter, in combination; auxiliary current-switching means arranged to be 0perated by movement of said member through only a part of one of its said increments of travel; and automatic actuating mechanism controlled by an electro-dynamic device through said current switching means, and

adapted when energized to cause said mem-' her to complete its increment of travel and to be discharged from one of the said contact plate terminals. 7

27. In an electric switch having socket connections for a governed load device and a rotatable pivoted contact member tensioned for sliding engagement with a stationary contact plate mounted to cause a quick snap break transverse the plate contact when said member passes it, in combination; electrothermally-actuated instrumentalities having a governing circuit and arranged automatically to cause said member to complete its traverse over a plate contact; and a contact governing the operating circuit of said instrumentalities and arranged to be engaged by said member when the letter is advanced to a co -operating position, thereby to energize said operating device; together with connections to retain the socket-governed device in circuit during the-period of operation of said instrumentalities.

28. In an electric switch, a one-way, rotatable, contact controlling member, an OS- cillatory actuator therefor arranged by successive strokes in the same direction to advance said member progressively step-bystep, means to cause a stroke of said actuator to establish said member in a circuit making position, and a'slow acting control device operative by the next succeeding stroke of said actuator to provide further advance of said member to its circuit breaking position, but only after a substantial interval of time.

29. In an electric switch, a rotatable switching member carrying main line contacts, an oscillatory actuator therefor arranged by successive movements in the same direction to advance said member step by step, cooperative stationary contacts in the path of said member, means to cause a stroke of said actuator to move said member to bridge said contacts, and a slow-acting control device operated by the next succeeding stroke of said actuator to provide further advance of said member to a position breaking the circuit at said contacts, but only after a substantial interval of time.

30. In an electric switch, a rotatable switching member, an oscillatory actuator therefor arranged by successive movements to advance said member into circuit-making and circuit-breaking positions, and a slowacting control device to delay for a substsncombination with a'socket, of a rotatable switching member adapted to be moved by successive movements in the same direction to lamp circuit-making and lamp circuitbreaking positions, and a thermo-electric control device to delay for a substantial interval of time the breaking of the lamp circuit after said memberha-s been moved toward at circuit-breaking position.

33. In a switch for an electric circuit, the combination with an oscillatory actuator, of a switching member progressively moved thereby to different circuit changing positions, and a slow acting control device to delay the circuit changing movement of the switching member for a substantial interval of time following the movement of the actuator designed to effect said circuit change.

34. In an electric lamp switch, a contact controlling member, an actuator therefor arranged to advance said member progressively to light and extinguish the lamp, the

' lamp extinguishing movement of said actuator acting to move said contact controlling member, and a slow acting control device to delay completion of the lamp extinguishing movement of said member until after the lapse of a substantial interval of time.

35. An electric switch having means to make or break a circuit, an actuator to move the same to efi'ect a circuit change, and a slow acting governing device to dela for a substantial period of time the circuit changing eflect of said means after movement of said actuator designed to effect said circuit change, said switch having provision for the control by said actuator of said means with or without the said delay.

36. An electric switch having contacts, a contact controller, an actuator to move the controller to make or break a circuit, and control means to delay the circuit changing efl'ect of said controller after the movement of the actuator designed to effect said circuit change, said switch having provision to render said control means ineffective for delaying said circuit changing effect.

37 An electric switch having contacts, a control device to open and close the same, a thermo-electrically controlled detent rendered efiective normally to hold said contacts closed for a substantial interval of time after said control device has been moved toward an open circuit position, but ca able, when required of bein rendered ine ective to delathe opening 0- the contacts.

38. l pull-chain lamp socket switch having a pull chain, and a connected control device to open and close the lamp circuit, a thermo-electric controller rendered effective normally to hold the circuit closed for a substantial interval of time when said chain is pulled to open the lamp circuit, and means for rendering said device ineffective at will. i

39. A ull-chain lamp socket switch having a pul chain, and a connected device to open and close the lam circuit, a thermoelectric controller ren ered effective normally to hold the circuit closed for a substantial interval of time when said chain is pulledto open the lamp circuit, but'ineffective to delay the opening of the circuit when the chain is subjected to'a relatively vigorous pull;

40. In an electric switch, a rotatable controlling member, an oscillatory actuator arranged to advance said member step by step, means to cause a movement of said actuator to establish said member in a circuit-making position, a detent to arrest subsequent actuator-caused movement of said movable member towards a circuit breaking position, a stop to arrest movement of the actuator before engagement of said member with the detent, and means to control the detent.

41. A pull chain lamp socket switch hav-v ing a one-way rotatable switch member, an oscillatory actuator for moving the latter step by step, inclined contacts with inclined insulating supports therefor, the latter arranged to co-act with said member as stationary click steps for positioning the same, and means for delaying lamp extinguishment after movement of said actuator, said switch having provision whereby said means may be rendered at will ineffective to delay lamp extinguishment.

42. A pull chain lamp socket switch having a pull chain and connected control device to control the lighting and extinguishment of the lamp, and a controller arranged normall to delay lamp extinguishment, said switch having provlsion whereby said controller throu h said, pull chain may be rendered at wil? ineffective to delay lamp extinguishment.

43. pull chain socket lamp switch having a one-way rotatable switch member, an actuator-for moving the latter step by step, inclined contacts with inclined insulating supports therefor, the latter arranged to coact with said member as stationary click steps for positioning the same, means for delayin lamp extinguishment after movement 0 said actuator, and including a detent for said actuator, said switch having provision whereby said means may be ren- 'time after the lamp extinguishing movement of the actuator.

45. An electric circuit including supply leads and a load, separated stationary contacts constituting a break in said circuit, switch means movable to and from a position conductively engaging both of said contacts and having a plurality of positions while engaging one of said contacts, an electrothermal device to control movement of said-means and arranged to be energized and tie-energized by respectively different positions of said means while the latter engages said contacts.

46-. A delayed action switch having circuits connecting the same to a controlled load, a delay causing device, a contact for said load, a contact for said device, and a controlling switch contact movable by one action into engageinent with said load contact, by further action into engagement with said device contact, and by following action out of engagement with both said load contact and said device contact at once;

. 47; In a delayed acting switch having a pull element to operate the switch and contact member progressively movable in one direction by said pull element to make and break the circuit, a normally idle slow acting device operative to delay and then cause an automatic movement of said member, said device being set in action by said pull element.

48. In an electric switch having agencies arranged in an auxiliary circuit automatically to operate said switch, contacts closable i by hand to make a load circuit, and contacts closable by hand to connect said auxiliary circuit in shunt to said load circuit, thereby to energize said agencies, said agencies thereafter operatin the switch to open both said contacts there y to disconnect said circuits from each other.

49. In an electric switch having agencies arranged in an auxiliary circuit substantially to operate said switch, contacts closable by hand to connect a load circuit with a supply, contacts closable by hand to connect said auxiliary circuit to the same supply and in shunt to said load circuit thereby to energize said agencies, said agencies thereafter operatin the switch to open both said contacts there y to disconnect said load circuit and said auxiliary circuit both from said supply and from each other.

50. In an electric lamp switch, a movable switching member, an oscillatory actuator to move said member to light or extinguish the lamp, a stop to arrest the movement of the actuator before the extinguishing move ment of the member is performed, and a slow acting device controlling the completion of the extinguishing movement of said member.

51. In an electric lamp switch, a movable switching member, an oscillatory actuator to move said member to light or extinguish the lamp, a yieldable stop to arrest the movement of the actuator before the extinguishing movement of the member is performed, and a slow acting device controlling the completion of the extinguishing movement of said member including a detent operatively related to the switching member.

52. In a switch for an electric circuit, a rotatable switching member, separated stationary contacts constituting a break in said circuit, an oscillatory actuator to move said member to make and break the circuit, said member having a plurality of positions while engaging one of said contacts, a stop to arrest the movement of the actuator in moving the member from one to the other of said positions, and a slow acting control device arranged to move said member from said second position to break the circuit.

53. In an electric switch, a movable switching member and an actuator for moving the member, a detent to limit the movement of the member, a slow acting control governing the detent, and circuit connections terminating at said member and said detent whereby contacting of the former with the latter electrically energizes said control to move the detent.

Signed at Boston, in the county of Norfolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this 25th day of October, 1920.

RAYMOND D. SMITH. 

